Rating: 
Summary: Great (if you don't love the book)
Review: Bear in mind that I am one of those to whom every omission from the book in filming is a misdemeanor and every addition a felony. Having indicated that bias, I will omit the list of the corresponding crimes committed in filming "Persuasion." Some compression of action is inevitable, and some thoughts must be expressed in words. I admit the necessity while I deplore it.The price paid by streamlining action and painting characters in broad strokes is that one loses the hallmark of a Jane Austen novel: the masterful development of character by the careful drawing of one fine line after another. The film takes care with Anne Elliot and takes liberties elsewhere. Anne is my personal favorite of the Austen heroines, and I was pleased by the manner in which she is brought to the screen. I found Captain Wentworth an acceptable, if tongue-tied suitor. So much for the principals. I have small reservations with most of the supporting cast. Sister Mary whines appropriately, and her husband Charles is rendered fairly. The Lyme household is suitably pleasant company, and the Musgroves come across well. Changing Charles Hayter's first name to Henry was a good idea. There are five people named Charles in the original novel. There was no good reason to change Fanny Harville's name to Phoebe, but no harm done either. The Crofts have more dignity in the film than in the book reducing a desired contrast with Sir Walter and Elizabeth Elliot. William Elliot is too young for my taste, and the film fails to define Lady Russell's role clearly. Short shrift is given, necessarily, to minor characters such as Mr. Shepherd, Mrs. Clay, Mrs. Smith, Nurse Root, and the Dalrymples. I think the film failed with Sir Walter and Elizabeth. Sir Walter had many faults, but he was entitled to be satisfied with his appearance. The film's Elizabeth Elliot resembled Lydia Bennet more than the very superior, elegant baronet's daughter whom Jane Austen gave us. Elizabeth set my teeth on edge every time she lounged into the room or opened her common mouth. We have ample reason to dislike her for her neglect of Anne. The caricature was distracting and unnecessary. Fortunately, the film can get by without an accurate portrayal of these two whose facade was so much more pleasing than their substance. Those coming to Jane Austen for the first time through the movie have a treat in store for them. Those who love "Persuasion" will be glad to have it on film, but will not find this one of those rare cases where a film is able to do justice to a book. You haven't read the book? Don't wait a minute longer to do so.
Rating: 
Summary: As Faithful To The Book As Time Allowed
Review: While it is impossible to condense every particular of a novel into a 2 hour movie, Persuasion does a creditable job of capturing the taste of Jane Austen's touching and sweet little story of Anne Elliot's long-enduring love for Captain Wentworth. The director obviously took pains to make this movie "earthy" - you'll see unkempt hair, wind-burned cheeks, crumbs on a breakfast table, dirty hems, all little human touches that are sometimes missing from the average brittle, formal costume drama. However, my one critcism is that I found "Anne Elliot" to be rather wooden. A fine movie, but Anne skulks through it and flashes her big eyes occasionally for effect; her metamorphosis from a thin, pale old maid into a blooming pretty young woman is nonexistent. This is a minor quibble, and not mean to deter anyone from purchasing what is really an enjoyable film. "Captain Wentworth" is particularly attracitve and boisterous and truly steals the show.
Rating: 
Summary: A tired and artless film
Review: I rented this movie because I thought hey, Jane Austen, a fine author. Well, she is still a fine author, but the creators of this film weren't so fine. I found the actress who portrayed Anne Elliot to be sadly lacking in emotional feeling. Wentworth was too much, and Mr. Elliot was, shall we say, a little, well, you know. If you want good J. Austin, check out movies like Emma or Sense and Sensibility.
Rating:
Summary: Persuade Yourself to Buy This One
Review: I own this movie, and I highly recommend it. Next to the 1996 version of Pride and Prejudice it is my favorite movie pertaining to Jane Austen's stories. It is true to the story line. The acting is superb. You won't regret purchasing it.
Rating:
Summary: Good story
Review: I enjoyed the movie, however, at times I found the movie could use more intense scenes between the two stars during the movie instead at the end. The starring actress was plain yet such a sweet person, her beauty came from within. You will enjoy this movie if you are a Jane Austin fan.
Rating:
Summary: A Film that Needs to be Watched Carefully
Review: If you like Jane Austin's style of romance, character development, and plot construction, then you will probably like this film. The story involves the possibility of a second chance at romance conflicted with the resentment left over from the first attempt. The result has been described as "an adult fairy tale" or the perfect "chick flick." To a degree I could agree with either description, but the story's conflict is a bit more complex then one would expect for an "adult fairy tale." The conflict between the romantic and rational is demonstrated: Lady Russell attempts to influence Anne to marry Eliot for rational reasons all while Anne feels romantically inclined towards Whetworth. Lady Russell has succeed before since it was her ability to persuade Anne to turn Wentworth's proposal of marriage down eight years before. The world's repeated intrusion especially at points when the two are about to reconcile is contrasted with an unusual scene when a circus (symbolically the world) finally passes them by when the conflicts are finally resolved. The character development is subtle. My wife and I have watched this film many times, and each time we have noticed something new. Wentworth is resentful, but he still loves Anne (but he goes out of his way not to show it). Anne still loves Wentworth, but is being careful because she doesn't want to be hurt. Her comment that her sex will still love longest when all hope is gone is a perfect summation of her attitude. Most of the characters are three dimensional, with a couple of intended exceptions: Anne's father and sister are amusingly single dimensional. The unintential one dimensional exceptions are Mr Eliot, Lady Russell, and Mrs. Smith for reasons that will be covered later. The plot construction involves a series of social reversals that have taken place in eight years: those reversals involve the economic situation between Wentworth and Anne's family, the romantic reversals, and the social reversals. The social reversals are particularily amusing as one observes Anne's father and sister's obsession with rank and connections. This behavior is reasonable since the father and sister seem to have lost everything else. There are several additional things that I like about this film. The photography is excellect, the sound is good, and the music is simple. The music is especially good being made up of period pieces played on original instruments (original instruments have an unusual twang not present in modern versions of the same instruments). The things that I don't like might be slightly minor to most audiences: Lady Russell is portrayed unusually harsh in this film. In other versions of Persuasion (1971), I believe her character is treated more fairly, yes, she has persuaded Anne in the past, but not strictly for monetary and social reasons. In the book and the earlier film, Lady Russell's behavior is motivated by Anne's happiness and makes her judgments accordingly. The character of Anne's friend "Mrs. Smith" is portrayed positively in this film (1995) than in the book or the earlier version of this film (1971). Mrs. Smith is in a nasty economic situation created by Mr. Eliot. She has a vested interested in seeing that Anne marries Eliot because it might help her out of her situation. The 1995 film discards this entire relation and makes the only connection one of gossip. It makes Mrs. Smith look much nicer, but it loses yet another view of Mr. Eliot's character. As a result Mr. Eliot and Mrs. Smith become single dimentional characters and it detracts from the story. Austin always has at least one rogue in her story. Her rogues usually have one dark secret which is revealed at some point in her story, and Persuasion is no exception. But Mr. Eliot's motives, and actions seem strangely disconnected until nearly the end. Even his relationship with Mrs. Clay (which is a significant point in the 1971 film and book) is glossed over. One has to read between the lines to infer his intentions in regard to Mrs. Clay. I highly recommend this film. I especially recommend the DVD version with a small amplifier and a pair of external speakers since some subtle statements, background noise, and music could be lost. I know since I have watched this film many times on VHS and DVD. My wife and I love watching this film
Rating:
Summary: A timeless romance for the ages...
Review: The touching performances by the actors helped bring about this marvelous tale of true love. I enjoyed it immensely; the odd cinematography, however, was probably the only aspect that prevented me from enjoying it completely. Other than that, I highly recommend it!
Rating: 
Summary: Lovely
Review: This movie is one of the rare cases about a good adaption story from a book. It is lovely, sweet, delightful. A fantastic entertainment.
Rating:
Summary: Went straight to my heart
Review: The striking performances by all the main characters and a very nuanced depiction of Anne Elliot's initial insecurities and remorse followed by a touching development towards newfound confidence made me want to cry at several points during the film. The underlying tone of irony and the ridicule of social stratifications make 'Persuasion' one of Austen's best and most modern stories. This movie does it complete justice without being stiff or boring. I would recommend this movie to anyone, whether they know what the pain of lost love is or not.
Rating:
Summary: Fantastic Adaptation!
Review: Of all the recent Austen films, this is definately the best. Her most personal and romantic novel is brillantly realized. Subtlety is lost on moviegoers these days. But if you have the patience and heart of a romantic, you will not be disappointed by this gem. The performances are perfect especially the leads Amanda Root and Cirian Hinds. The supporting cast spectacular. If you have read Persuasion, you'll love this version. When you see the film you will want to read the novel. Take the time to enjoy this one.
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